The walking path connecting John Slidell Park to the Kensington Estates subdivision in Slidell has closed for the construction of a new bike trail, according to city officials. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the task should be completed May 20.

The closing went into effect last week, and the city in a written statement apologized for any inconvenience caused to residents.

Documents show the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development in 2008 awarded Slidell $395,186 to build the bike path. The municipality needed to formally resolve to sponsor the project as a condition of accepting the money.

At the request of ex-Mayor Ben Morris, former City Council President Raymond Canada successfully introduced a measure satisfying that requirement, records indicate.